Salmon Lifecycle Series: sea-run adult

By Avery Garritano, Stewardship Coordinator

Throughout the spring and early summer, young salmon begin to make their way from estuaries to the Pacific Ocean, now able to thrive in saltwater after completing the smoltification process. The primary goal of these salmon is to eat; salmon gain most of their adult mass as they dine in the ocean, feasting on small fish, squid, shrimp, and more. Adult salmon are strong swimmers and can travel nearly 18 miles a day for food. Depending on species, adult salmon spend one to six years in the ocean before it is time to return to freshwater to spawn.

When Pacific salmon are in their ocean phase, it is very hard to tell the difference between each species. All salmon at this stage of life are a bright silver color, with very little distinct coloration or patterning. The recommended method for identifying sea-run salmon is to use the gumline and teeth on the lower jaw rather than body color or spots. For tips on how to do so, check out the salmon identification guide from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.